TygerBurger | Elsies | Eersterivier | Ravensmead | E-Edition | 26 November 2025

Everyonewas safe,saysCHC

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The provincial health department

said no one was in danger recently when a wounded alleged gangster was assisted at the Vanguard Community Health Centre

TygerBurger reported last week that a father who had gone to the centre with his severely injured daughter had to wait until a person shot in the buttocks was seen by medical personnel The eightyear-old girl had cut her fingers on a steel plate

Deon Jansen said at the time he and other patients feared for their lives because they had heard from police officers that shooters were on their way to "finish the job"

"While we were there the police asked that the security be beefed up, because the gangsters who shot the injured one wanted to finish the job There was a woman of 77 years What if those gangsters came back?" said Jansen, who chooses not to reveal his daughter's name

He says his daughter is in lots of pain, but recovering

Local Ward councillor Angus McKenzie was also angered by events

Spokesperson for the health department, Jihaan Opperman, on Friday, said that to ensure the safety of patients and staff they initiated an immediate safety protocol

"Following this incident our safety protocol was activated and the facility was placed on lockdown," she said "Access gates were closed, with entry allowed

HOSPITAL ACTIVATED SAFETY PROTOCOL AND LOCKDOWN

only through the pedestrian gate The gunshot patients were safely treated and transferred, and at no point was the safety of the hospital environment compromised "

Opperman reiterated the department's stance that all patients accessing care at Vanguard CHC are treated with care

"The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, including Vanguard CHC, uses the triage system to treat patients based on the severity of their condition Urgent life-threatening cases are prioritised, while stable patients may experience longer waiting times depending on the number of patients requiring care at the time "

A seven-yearold girl was bleeding while gangsters were being helped

Police seize gun from teen

The Ravensmead police arrested a 15-yearold boy on Thursday (21 November) after he was arrested in Fabriek Street, Eureka Estate, with a Glock firearm and three live rounds of ammunition in an extended magazine

According to Captain Odwa Makupula, police spokesperson, the Ravensmead visible police support officers were busy with crime prevention duties in Eureka Estate, doing stop and searches, when they heard gunshots going off nearby

“They immediately drove off towards Fabriek Street and saw a suspect running with a black object in his hands A chase ensued till he was caught and searched by the officers,” says Makupula Makupula says the teenager was arrested and charged for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition The matter was referred to a probation officer for assessment since the suspect is a minor He appeared at Goodwood Magistrates’ Court on Friday

Cityhonourslocalsafetyheroes

The City of Cape Town's safety and security directorate announced this year's Neighbourhood Watch Awards winners during a ceremony in the council chamber in the civic centre on Saturday morning

The annual awards celebrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment by neighbourhood watches, which work in communities and closely with the City's enforcement agencies

This year the awards drew more than 200 nominations for individuals and neighbourhood watches across the metropole in a number of categories

Deen Solomon of the KIC Neighbourhood Watch in Bonteheuwel received the nod for Crime Fighter of the Year

He has shown exceptional bravery and quick thinking in numerous operations that have led to successful arrests and the prevention of major crimes, according to a media release issued by the City

Deen's nomination noted that "his situational awareness and decisive action often in high-risk situations have kept residents safe and strengthened community confidence"

Other winners in the individual categories were:

. Mobiliser of the Year: Mvano Magula, Qhubekani Neighbourhood Watch, Mfuleni;

. Inspiration of the Year: Sandra de Wet Van den Berg, De La Haye Neighbourhood Watch, Bellville;

. Courage in Action: Yaseerah Nelson, Klip Neighbourhood Watch, Lotus River

GROUPCATEGORY

In the group category, the Situational Crime Prevention Award went to Khuseleka Neighbourhood Watch in Khayelitsha, and the Courage in Action

Award to the Boundaries Neighbourhood Watch in Retreat

"It is heartwarming to see how communities appreciate the work done by these volunteers who dedicate their time and skill to keeping their areas safe

While they're all tops, a panel selected the winners who went above and beyond what was required of them

“Congratulations to everyone for a year in which they heeded the call to action and made a difference in their communities," said JP Smith, Mayco member for security and safety

NEWCATEGORIES

This year, two new categories have been added The Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year for assistance rendered in preventing and mitigating disasters went to Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch for demonstrating exceptional compassion, resilience, and commitment, and for actions that meaningfully supported the City's Disaster Management efforts

Watch members have undergone firefighting training to serve as the community's first line of defence, and during the most recent outbreak, their swift action limited the destruction to just two shacks, a remarkable outcome credited entirely to the team's rapid response, courage, and coordination

Beyond firefighting, Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch plays a vital role in supporting City officials and emergency services during disaster situations

helping with crowd control, clearing access routes for fire and rescue teams, and assisting affected families on the ground

TECHNOLOGYAWARD

The Best Utilisation of Technology Award went to Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch for their innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety

They were noted to have "set the benchmark for digital excellence in community safety through its outstanding use of the Trusted Partner App"

The Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch has transformed technology into a force multiplier, enhancing patrol coordination, reporting accuracy, and accountability across every shift, according to the media release

cock mantis shrimps ub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass

s Aquarium today

I am trying to be gentler with myself...

We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce I have come to realise that I'm married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth

For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like

Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up and wonders who one is outside of one's job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years

..

SOMEWHEREALONGTHEWAY THATHUNGERFORBELONGING BECOMESTANGLEDWITHTHE NEEDTOFEELENOUGH

..

I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life

That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are

My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle

I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later Except "later" always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one's body reminds one it has limits even when one's will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks "Who are you now?"

I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming -NAMHLAMONAKALI

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Subraadvoorsitter

Subraad 14 het 'n baie bedrywige 2025 beleef

Wanneer ek deur die dagboek blaai, staan die volgende hoogtepunte uit:

. 'n Ontmoeting met die uitvoerende burgemeester en sy volle burgemeesterkomitee om aangeleenthede rondom dienslewering in die subraad te bespreek; . Verskeie vergaderings met en besoeke deur burgemeesterkomiteelede aan die subraad om sake rakende paaie en water en sanitasie te bespreek; . 'n Dag lange besoek deur Francine Higham burgemeesterkomiteelid, om die onderskeie sportfasiliteite binne die grense van Subraad 14 te besigtig;

. Interaksie met Carl Pophaim, burgemeesterkomit lid l th d t lik d t

gee oorsig

is verwelkom en ontplooi;

. Openbare vergaderings het in al sewe wyke plaasgevind waartydens die konsepbegroting en IOP vir die 2025-'26-boekjaar bespreek is;

. Subraad 14 het ook ses openbare vergaderings gehou, waar Tertuis Simmers, provinsiale minister van infrastruktuur, die beoogde Welmoed-behuisingsprojek met inwoners bespreek het;

. Verskeie wykskomiteevergaderings het ook in die onderskeie wyke plaasgevind;

. Die Bet-El-skool ontvang die Civic Pride-toekenning van die burgemeester;

. Nosivatho Mkhize, die nuwe subraadbestuurder van S b d 14 i lk

Coastal bird flu threat puts pets at risk

I walk my dog along the beach most nights and am increasingly worried about the ongoing bird flu affecting seabirds on our coastline

The virus has led to several bird deaths recently and I fear the risk of encountering an infected bird during my walks This is not only heartbreaking for our wildlife but also poses a potential danger to pets and their owners I urge fellow dog walkers and pet owners to stay vigilant, avoid contact with any sick or dead birds, and report sightings to local authorities Protecting our pets and preserving our coastal ecosystem must be a community priority WORRIED, Melkbosstrand

Vissersgemeenskappe sterf almal uit

Ek wou nou al ` n geruime tyd hierdie vraag voor die deur van die DA, die Wes-Kaapse regering en die nasionale regering lê Die Kaap is baie bekend vir sy viswaters en ek het familie wat aan die Weskus bly Elke keer as ek vir hulle gaan kuier, vra ek hulle of daar nie vars vis te koop is by n hawe daar naby nie of 'n varsviswinkel op een van die dorpe nie Hul antwoord is: “Nee Nie eens die plaaslike winkels het vars vis nie; alles is die boksies bevore vis van natuurlik die groot vismaatskappye ” Hoe is dit moontlik? Die Weskus was vissersdorpe en gemeenskappe het hul bestaan daaruit gemaak Het die Wes-Kaapse regering of die nasionale regering die vissersgemeenskappe se regte verkoop aan groot korporatiewe maatskappye? Het die regerings dalk n

finansiële belang in die maatskappye? Doen n bietjie navorsing oor wat in Somalië se oseane gebeur het en hoe die waters leeg gevang is en dit op die ou einde gelei het tot moderne seerowers Dit is n skande dat Suid-Afrika se mense en veral kusdorpe se mense nou ten duurste moet betaal vir gevriesde vis wat op hul agterstoep uitgewis word deur groot maatskappye en hul staatsborge wat bakhand staan vir hul aandele Ek het gaan Google "Why are there no more West Coast fisherman's villages?" Julle sal geskok wees oor waarop julle afkom Weer eens: die regerings tree nie op in die gemeenskap se belang nie, net soos met baie ander belange en ons en die hengelgemeenskap ly daar onder MAAK WK SE VISSERSGEMEENSKAPPE SAAK? E-pos

Kuilsrivier word plakkersdorp

Dit is baie frustrerend om te sien hoe die Soneike-Kuilsrivier-kanaal langs die Netcare-hospitaal besig is om in 'n plakkersdorpie te ontaard Wat kommerwekkend is van die Stad Kaapstad, is dat my talle klagtes van 2018 tot op hede om die plakkers te verwyder, nie aandag geniet nie Hierdie plakkerprobleem hou 'n brand-, gesondheids- en veiligheidsgevaar in vir die inwoners wat in die nabyheid bly Kuilsrivier, eens 'n mooi dorpie, word stadig maar seker 'n plakkersdorpie JJ CLOETE, Soneike

‘Ulwaluko’: A journey to manhood, a call for community understanding

When the summer season draws to a close, many communities across South Africa will welcome back young men who have undergone Ulwaluko the traditional Xhosa initiation rite This sacred custom, also practised in various forms by other African communities, marks a boy’s transition to manhood

With initiates returning to schools and workplaces in the new year, fostering informed understanding and tolerance within our diverse neighbourhoods is paramount

Ulwaluko is a profound cultural and spiritual journey where boys are secluded in the mountains or designated initiation schools Under the guidance of elders, they are taught the core responsibilities, values,

and secrets of manhood within their culture These lessons emphasise respect, discipline, and the weight of future roles as husbands fathers and community leaders The process is a deeply respected cornerstone of identity for millions The culmination of this journey is the homecoming, a vibrant and celebratory event

These celebrations are not private affairs; they are community-wide, often spilling into streets with singing, dancing, and the distinctive red clay on the faces of amakrwala (new men) This is where the wider community’s role becomes crucial Neighbours from all racial and cultural backgrounds may witness or be invited to these open celebrations Understanding the context transforms these events

from mere noise to a meaningful welcome The visible signs, the new clothes, the subdued demeanour of the initiates the jubilant families are not just spectacle but symbols of a significant personal and cultural achievement

By seeking to understand Ulwaluko, diverse communities do more than just tolerate; they actively participate in a supportive social fabric This awareness fosters empathy, dispels curiosity born of ignorance, and allows everyone to share in the joy of a family and a culture As these young men return, empowered and transformed, a welcoming and informed community is the final, essential step in honouring their journey FEZEKILE COTANI, Soneike, Kuils River

Measlescasesriseinprovince

The Western Cape is seeing an increase in measles outbreaks in urban areas such as Kraaifontein, Eerste River, Mitchells Plain and Wesbank

According to the provincial health department the increase in measles cases is not unique to the Western Cape as South Africa is currently facing a decline in childhood vaccination uptake which poses a serious risk for public health and threatens the country’s efforts to eliminate

vaccine preventable diseases

This decline contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province, signalling serious gaps in population immunity, the department said in a statement

"Ensuring immunisation coverage across the province remains a top priority of the Western Cape health and

wellness department

“Since October 2024, the department has ramped up its immunisation efforts to protect young children from serious and life-threatening vaccinepreventable diseases "

The department is working with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to maintain sufficient

measles vaccination stock and has implemented an early warning and response system that includes surveillance and community engagement

PROTECTYOURCHILDFROMMEASLES

Measles is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory tract Symptoms of measles include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis and coughing

Healthcare practitioners can diagnose measles on signs and

symptoms and a blood sample collected for laboratory testing

"Should your child run a fever, feel sleepy or struggle to eat, take them to the nearest clinic immediately

“Potential complications of measles include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness "

Free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, and catch-up doses can be given if a child has missed a vaccination

RadiologytrainingboostforCPUT

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students will benefit from new ultrasound equipment thanks to a generous donation from SCP Radiology

Students at CPUT are set to receive world-class medical imaging training following a significant equipment donation that will help address South Africa’s shortage of qualified sonographers SCP Radiology has donated two state-of-the-art ultrasound machines to CPUT’s Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) department,

while medical equipment provider Tecmed contributed a specialised ultrasound probe to support the university’s Diagnostic Ultrasound programme

Dr Polly Davidson, MITS Head of Department, says the donation will transform the department’s capabilities

“These two machines, in perfect working order, will make an enormous difference to our skills lab,” Davidson explained

“This gives our team more opportunities to train students effectively and ensure they graduate with strong, hands-on competency ”

The equipment allows students to gain practical experience performing ultrasound examinations crucial skills for their future careers as medical imaging professionals

The donation comes at a critical time as South Africa faces a significant shortage of qualified sonographers

The partnership between CPUT and SCP Radiology will enable the university to train more students and help fill this gap in the healthcare sector

INVESTINGINEDUCATION

Madelein de Wet, clinical operations manager at SCP Radiology, emphasised the company’s commitment to education and professional development

“Because of our long-standing relationship with CPUT, we were

aware of the need for imaging equipment,” de Wet said “It gives us immense pleasure to support the training of the next generation of healthcare workers in this way It aligns with our commitment to education and strengthening the profession ”

Prof Nicole Brooks, Dean

of the Health and Wellness Faculty at CPUT, highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes

“Investments from the private sector have a tangible impact on quality and reach of training programmes such as this one,” Brooks noted

The ultrasound programme at CPUT is coordinated by Dr Maria Hartnick, with support from Ultrasound Lecturer Geordean Schwartz and Clinical Instructor Carmen Batt

The donation was facilitated by Tecmed Applications Specialist Gizelle Erasmus and SCP-CPUT Clinical Liaison Chrisoné Smit

Annualgalasupportsspecialneeds

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA

The Daniel and Friends Fund brought magic, music, and real impact together at their annual gala, a night that celebrated purpose and resilience

The event, recently hosted at the picturesque Eensgezind venue outside Durbanville, united a devoted network of supporters alongside the families whose lives the organisation has touched Operating nationwide, this remarkable non-profit has built its reputation on bridging critical gaps in emotional support for families navigating the complex journey of raising children with special needs, a path that can often feel isolating and overwhelming for parents

EMO

ADAMS AND PETER G STAR AT DANIEL AND FRIENDS ANNUAL GALA

Though raising funds was essential, the event evolved beyond its monetary aims to become a powerful tribute to courage and strength

The evening's entertainment began with magician Peter G, whose comedic magic show set a lighthearted tone

The highlight arrived when beloved South African entertainer Emo Adams commanded the stage, delivering a performance that had the entire audience tapping their feet Guiding the evening's proceedings was celebrity doctor

Darren Green, who served as master of ceremonies

WHYTHISMATTERS

For families with special needs children, events like Friday's gala is a reminder that their struggles are seen

Founding member and director Lianie le Roux addressed the audience saying that no parents ever expect that their child would be born with a rare disease or other special need while pregnant

"You think this would never happen to you, and are not at all prepared if it does," she said Le Roux stressed that every cent of the money raised go toward the children, be it special equipment or family outings Annual activities hosted by Daniel and Friends Fund throughout the year include a visit to Bugz playpark, a nappy walk and Christmas party with the highlight being the Different is Cool fashion show where the children get the opportunity to take to the catwalk

Co-founder and director Kate Laurie added that the most important thing to remember about Daniel and Friends is that the founding of the organisation was a very personal journey for her and Le Roux, as they both lost their children Daniel and Marielé to rare illnesses in one week, having met each other in the hospital ward

The fund was started in January 2014 in remembrance of Daniel and Marielé

"Something good had to come from all the sadness," Laurie reflected

"As we got talking we pondered on what we missed as parents to special needs children It was a supportive close knit community of parents going through the same thing Someone you can phone late at night when you are emotionally distraught "

A meaningful encounter during a medical emergency marked the beginning of Michelle Phillips' journey to becoming co-director of the organisation, when she first met Le Roux while Daniel was her patient during an ICU ambulance transport to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital

"To work with every single person in this organisation

fills my cup every single day," Phillips reflected In a deeply moving address, parents Tamara Yates-Butler and Molly Dube-Kachukiwa shared their transformative journey with the fund, speaking from the unique perspective of mothers navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs Yates-Butler, mother to one child with cerebral palsy and another with autism, alongside Dube-Kachukiwa, who has a child with Down syndrome and another with autism, offered heartfelt testimony about the organisation s impact on their families "I don't know where I would have been without them and what we would have done," Yates-Butler reflected Dube-Kachukiwa echoed this sentiment, adding: "This organisation has given us a voice, a space for our children to shine "

Cyclingforchildren’shealth

The public voice of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue services will once again join the Grandad's Army Memorial Ride from East London to Cape Town from 1 to 5 March 2026, pedalling in support of children’s health care in the Eastern Cape It will be the sixth time Jermaine Carelse will do this ride. The challenging five-day cycle aims to raise funds for Eyabantwana For the Children Trust, an organisation that

supports the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Service, providing vital medical care to children in the region

SUPPORTINGYOUNGLIVES

The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride combines endurance cycling with meaningful community support, as riders such as Carelse tackle the demanding route while raising awareness of children

who need surgical intervention, as well as much-needed funds for this Eyabantwana For the Children Trust plays a crucial role in ensuring young patients in the Eastern Cape have access to specialist paediatric surgical services that can be life-changing

The community can support Carelse’s campaign by buying raffle tickets at R50 each

PRIZESINCLUDE:

. Bilton wines; . Afterlife Ink Tattoos voucher;

. Copy of Jeremy Vearey’s “Crimson Sands”; . JBL cold-pressed soaps and . Chocolate surprise from Geldof

The raffle offers supporters a chance to win great prizes while contributing to an important cause

HOWTOHELP Contact Carelse at 072 384 6203 or email jermaine carelse@ capetown gov za

Supercrossactioncomingtothecity

The world’s top supercross riders will descend on Cape Town for the ultimate showdown as the FIM World Supercross Championship crowns its 2025 world champions at DHL Stadium on Saturday 13 December.

After a gruelling global calendar that has taken the championship through Buenos Aires, Vancouver, the Gold Coast and Stockholm, the season-long quest for glory will reach its climax in the Mother City A night of high-stakes racing between the strongest field in the championship’s history will determine the SX1, SX2 and

13DEC

DHL Stadium set for the final of the FIM World Supercross Championship

Team World Champions

The SX1 class promises fierce competition as championship contenders Ken Roczen, Jason Anderson, Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig have battled for crucial championship points all season heading into the finale In the SX2 division, reigning champion Shane McElrath faces a tough fight to defend

his crown against a relentless field that includes key challengers Max Anstie and Enzo Lopes

“Cape Town is the perfect location for our season finale,” said Tom Burwell, CEO of World Supercross “The intensity of the title hunt, combined with the phenomenal atmosphere of the DHL Stadium, guarantees an unforgettable night ”

Tony Feldman, Director at Showtime Management, emphasised the significance of bringing world-class supercross to South African shores

“The quality of racing for the World Supercross Championship finale in Cape

Town will be nothing like South African fans have ever seen before To have the world’s best riders descend upon DHL Stadium to decide the champions of the world will be a spectacular moment and a fitting climax to the global series,” Feldman said Tickets and further information are available at www showtime co za or www ticketmaster co za

Hospitality enquiries can be directed to contactdhls@circa co za . Visit www tygerburger co.za for a chance to win a set of four tickets to see the World Supercross Championship on 13 December

Cityspringcleanstargetedareas

The City launched its annual Festive Season Cleaning Programme this week, which focused on specific areas in the metropole.

The City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate said on Friday that the programme will focus on main arterial routes and high traffic scenic corridors, beaches and major tourism destinations, the CBD, public-transport routes and illegal dumping hot-spots

“Cape Town sees a major influx in visitors, including our friends and family members, over the festive season,” said Grant Twigg, Mayco

member for urban waste management,

“and we want to ensure our services are capacitated to manage the increased demand as far as possible

“We are proud that this programme not only strengthens service delivery,

and supports the tourism economy, but also directly creates thousands of work opportunities for Capetonians during this period ”

The department said this year’s programme delivers a significant boost to local employment, with more than 2 400 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work opportunities created across the city

These include 2 048 general workers, 399 supervisors, 28 clerks and 20 community ambassadors, deployed to support intensified cleansing operations, it said

To strengthen capacity at the highest

The